Disability no barrier for Wellington sports fans

29 August 2013

Disability no barrier for Wellington sports fans

Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua will be a hive of activity on Monday 2 September as students from around the greater Wellington region try out different sports at Special Olympics New Zealand’s Athletes with Disabilities Fun Day.

Special Olympics New Zealand is a nationwide organisation that offers sports training and competition for athletes and students with intellectual disabilities.

The Schools Fun Day will offer students with disabilities the chance to take part in a variety of sports including basketball, football, indoor bowls, swimming, and a general fitness station.

Students from Wellington East Girls College, Heretaunga College, Taita School, Mana School, Onslow College, Newlands School, Makoura College, and Paraparaumu College will be coached by staff from Special Olympics New Zealand, Porirua City Council, Capital Football, Swimming New Zealand, Basketball New Zealand, and New Zealand Indoor Bowls at the Fun Day.

“The Fun Day is being run to raise awareness of Special Olympics New Zealand and the opportunities available for students through our clubs. We have had a great response from the schools and have a lot of students attending. The Fun Day allows everyone to experience a variety of different sports in a relaxed, fun environment,” says Steeven Sharpe, Regional Sports Coordinator—Lower North Island South, Special Olympics New Zealand.

“We will have volunteer coaches on hand from basketball, football, indoor bowls and swimming and are grateful to them for giving their time towards the Fun Day. The team at Te Rauparaha Arena has also been incredibly accommodating and supporive of this initiative. It is a fantastic facility.”

Event details:

What: Special Olympics New Zealand Athletes with Disabilities Fun Day
When: Monday 2 September, from 9.30am–12.30pm
Where: Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua

Timetable:

About Special Olympics New Zealand
Special Olympics New Zealand is a year-round programme of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 6000 athletes throughout the country train and compete in 13 different Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides athletes continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community.

Words Matter—Special Olympics Language Guidelines for media

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